Project-Based Learning

by Edutopia, The George Lucas Educational Foundation

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Description

Project learning, also known as project-based learning, is a dynamic approach to teaching in which students explore real-world problems and challenges, simultaneously developing cross-curriculum skills while working in small collaborative groups.
Because project learning is filled with active and engaged learning, it inspires students to obtain a deeper knowledge of the subjects they're studying. Research also indicates that students are more likely to retain the knowledge gained through this approach far more readily than through traditional textbook-centered learning. In addition, students develop confidence and self-direction as they move through both team-based and independent work.

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VideoFive Keys to Rigorous Project-Based Learning

Well-designed project-based learning (PBL) has been shown to result in deeper learning and engaged, self-directed learners. Learn more about the five core elements of successful PBL.

During Quest to Learn's intensive PBL "Boss Level" challenge, students engage in hands-on projects to practice real-world skills. Learn five steps to design your own classroom challenge, for any school or grade

Sixteen-year-old Alexa gains hands-on experience and leadership skills by collaborating on a play space for kids through Philadelphia's Public Workshop, which promotes community engagement and innovation.

Through a project called Knowledge in Action, researchers at the University of Washington have been exploring whether project-based learning can help high school students with diverse learning styles understand content more deeply in advanced placement courses.

Teens in Philadelphia learn how to solve math and engineering problems while working together to build high-efficiency homes designed for disaster relief, as part of an alternative senior year program called Sustainability Workshop.

Edutopia's three-part series follows a determined middle school teacher as he transforms his crowded classroom space to enable deeper learning. In Part 1, Mr. Mattice and the designers from The Third Teacher Plus figure out what's working and what's not.

16-year-old Noah finds purpose and learns valuable career skills working at a nonprofit two full days a week, while protecting and restoring his local watershed. Internships with deep impact are a key element at his high school, San Diego Met, part of the

Math used to be a struggle for 14-year-old Kathryn, until she fell in love with cars and started a hands-on project to build her own. Now the math matters and makes sense, and a whole new world of learning has opened up for her.

Sammamish High School is in the midst of a five-year process to change from traditional teaching to an entirely problem-based curriculum. Follow the journey of the teachers, administrators, and students as they reinvent their school.

Go inside Manor New Technology High School, part of the New Tech Network of schools, where an unwavering commitment to an effective schoolwide PBL model keeps both students and teachers motivated and achieving their best.

The noted educational futurist describes his "holodeck" classroom -- an environment that supports project-based learning -- and makes the case for why the role of the teacher must change from lecturer to exploration guide.

Editor's Note, 4/18/11: According to numerous press reports, including CBS's "60 Minutes" broadcast on Sunday April 17th, there are many inaccuracies in Greg Mortenson's books "Three Cups of Tea" and "Stones Into Schools." Edutopia is following these reports closely and will provide clarifications for our audience as soon as we know more.
Meanwhile, we suggest that readers proceed with caution before involving students in the Pennies for Peace program mentioned in this video. Pennies for Peace is a project of the nonprofit Central Asia Institute, founded by Mortenson. "60 Minutes" has raised questions about CAI's financial accountability.